From the moment you arrive at the Conrad's seaplane airport lounge, you feel like you are going to somewhere exclusive. The lounge itself provides good food and drinks, back/shoulder massage and the picture slideshows of Conrad Maldives on TV for you to dream about it little more.
Once you take off, you fly over many islands and after about half an hour, you see 2 islands connected by a bridge outside your window of the seaplane. The moment has arrived. You have arrived to that special place on earth. You touch down, get off the plane, and you are greeted by a cold towel by your island host who looks after you for your entire stay.
We were taken to a regular beach villa in the 200s side. Although the resort has more premium deluxe beach villas and water villas, the king beach villa was beyond what I expected. It is spacious and well appointed. High ceiling, large expansive windows, outdoor shower and a little garden with tiny water fountain all add to the special touch. There is a remote that controls the blinds with a touch of a button. A stereo system with a cable to hook up an iPod. The bed is large and very comfortable. Plenty of water bottles and Nespresso coffee selections are provided. Rooms are cleaned in the morning and at the turndown service time in the afternoon. Then you have a large patio and steps away is one of the world's most gorgeous white sand beach and crystal clear ocean.
You can rent a snorkel gear for free from the diving center to snorkel the fantastic reefs with lots of fish right off of the rooms on the 200 (east) side. You lounge by the beach then cool off in the water with gentle waves. You repeat that and the day will be gone before you know it. Or you can go to the beautiful main infinity pool, take a dip, take a nap in a hammock and get a drink and light fare from Rangali bar. They bring you cold towels, water and fruit at the pool. Or you can take the dhoni, go across to the small island where things are quieter if you prefer that. The main island is also quite but has more life in the dining areas and nightly entertainment at the Rangali bar. The spa is fantastic and actually reasonably priced. Conrad is also very family friendly with great kids' activities center and babysitting service.
The entire staff should be commended for their splendid service. They seem like they truly enjoy working at the resort and has great attitude. The Maldivians I met are genuinely nice and friendly. Do try the cheese fondue night at the wine bar. It is reasonably priced, considering everything, and you learn a great deal about cheeses and wines.
At Conrad you can do as much as you want or do nothing. You can spend as much as you want or not as much. The choice is yours. When you are given a final cold towel by your island host before your departure, you will look forward to coming back in the near future.
So sit back, relax, take your shoes off and truly enjoy the barefoot luxury that is Conrad Maldives.
- Hilton Maldives
- Conrad Rangali Island
- Rangali Island Conrad
- Rangali Island Maldives
